Director, Client Strategy

PlayOn! Sports · New York City · $180,000–$200,000 (stated in the posting)

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PlayOn is looking for a highly creative, growth-minded Director of Client Strategy to lead development and execution of sponsorship and brand partnership strategy for the company’s National Ad Sales division. With a focus on strengthening the MaxPreps brand in market, this player-coach will shape our brand story and marketing materials, build sponsorship opportunities, guide research and insights, and optimize client execution workflows. The Director will manage a team of strategists, setting priorities, developing talent, and ensuring strong strategic output. Reporting to the SVP, National Ad Sales, the ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with deep brand partnerships experience who can operate cross-functionally to help drive revenue across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio including GoFan and NFHS Network. 

The Outcomes You’ll Deliver 

• Partnership Strategy – Lead development and evolution of MaxPreps’ GTM strategy informed by research, analytics, marketplace insights, and creative storytelling

• Sponsorship Development – Oversee productization of existing and net-new editorial content and franchises into compelling sponsorships for brand partners 

• Research & Innovation – Guide the research and insights agenda with the Director, Research & Analytics, translating audience data into differentiated pitches and marketplace storytelling 

• Sales Collaboration & Client Execution – Collaborate with Sales leadership to influence pipeline, prioritize strategic opportunities, and ensure exceptional pre- and post-sale execution 

• Team Leadership & Development – Manage, coach, and develop three Client Strategists and the Director, Research & Analytics, fostering ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning 

In This Role, You Can Expect To 

• Provide strategic and team leadership for GTM development across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio, while remaining hands-on with priority opportunities and client narratives 

• Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars that leverage multichannel content / editorial 

• Oversee creative development and ongoing management of media kits, marketing materials, templates, and pitch decks, ensuring quality and consistency across team output 

• Set priorities, allocate resources, and coach the Client Strategy and Research & Analytics team to deliver high-quality work that supports in-market pitches and storytelling 

• Build and optimize pre- and post-sale workflows that champion speed, efficiency, clear ownership, and exceptional client service 

• Lead ongoing analyses tied to brand ethos, marketplace story, audience insights, and supporting marketing materials with the Director, Research & Analytics 

• Inform and influence decisions pertaining to production, deal margin, marketing initiatives / events, resource allocation, and more 

To Thrive in This Role, You Have 

• Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years sales marketing, integrated marketing, and/or client strategy experience 

• Demonstrated track record of building creative sales materials, compelling brand stories, and strategic partnership recommendations 

• Creative “big picture” mindset paired with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach that can shape GTM strategy and move work from concept to execution 

• Demonstrated people-management experience with a track record of coaching high-performing teams, setting priorities, and developing talent 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment and align stakeholders around broader business and revenue outcomes 

• Organized, strategic thinker who can balance multiple priorities and take concepts through execution for brand partners 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace 

• Proficient in Figma Slides, Pitch.com, PowerPoint, Keynote, and other design / presentation tools (e.g. Canva) 

• Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more 

We believe in transparency and meeting candidates at eye level. We know that money isn't everything - but it is important. For this role, we have determined a compensation range of $180,000 to $200,000 in addition to bonus potential, company equity, and benefits to be a fair and attractive offer. We would love the opportunity to meet you and learn more about you and your background, and final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors and may vary from the amount above.

How You Play  

• Ownership over Participation- You take responsibility for achieving holistic outcomes, prioritize key objectives, and adapt quickly when situations require a different approach. You follow through even against the toughest challenges.  
• Team over Stars- You are a bridge builder, establishing processes and relationships with teams outside your own. You work to rally around common goals, find win-win solutions, compromise when necessary, and help others succeed.  
• Growth over Comfort- You are driven by a desire to grow and actively seek opportunities to expand your comfort zone, skills, and confidence. You embrace new challenges with curiosity, accepting discomfort and failure as opportunities to learn.   
• Fairness over Popularity- You approach decisions with a scientist’s mindset, challenging your assumptions and remaining objective. You consider long-term impact rather than relying on short-term gains, proactively seek others’ perspectives, and manage emotions in decision-making.  

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